Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Boise, Idaho

Boise, the capital of Idaho, is a vibrant city featuring picturesque parklands, engaging museums, and numerous activities suitable for families. Situated along the stunning Boise River, Boise is also home to the Boise River Greenbelt—a vast expanse of lush greenery. For those who prefer an urban experience, the downtown area offers local markets and eclectic art galleries.

Families visiting Boise will find an array of attractions, including zoos, aquariums, and a unique center dedicated to birds of prey. Explore the premier attractions in Boise:

1. Aquarium of Boise

Established in 2011, the Aquarium of Boise is an interactive facility that spans over 10,000 square feet. Notably, it features hands-on exhibits, including touch tanks populated with corals, crabs, starfish, and rays.

Visitors will encounter a giant octopus exhibit and a shark nursery that educates guests about the shark life cycle. In addition, there is a bird aviary among other attractions.

2. Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt is a parkland area extending 25 miles along the picturesque banks of the Boise River. It traverses the heart of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate local flora and fauna, while enjoying breathtaking city views.

Within the park, an extensive network of trails and a ten-mile bike path are available, along with popular hikes that incorporate historical exploration through scavenger hunts. Themed hikes such as the Idaho Birding Trail and the Bethine Church River Trail are also available.

3. Boise Art Museum

The Boise Art Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, featuring a substantial collection of modern artwork as well as both static and rotating exhibits. Established in the 1930s, the museum encompasses over 30,000 square feet and includes main exhibit spaces, an education center, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a shop.

The varied galleries cater to a diverse range of artistic preferences.

4. Barber Park

Situated along the banks of the Boise River, Barber Park is conveniently located near downtown Boise. This park is renowned for its range of activities; adventurous visitors can engage in rafting or kayaking, thanks to the river access points available.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, numerous trails and playgrounds provide leisurely options, while wildlife such as bald eagles and deer can often be observed.

5. Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise is recognized within the community for its extensive range of animal species. The zoo is divided into themed sections, such as Butterflies in Bloom and the Sloth Bear Encounter, and features interactive elements.

Children can hand-feed farm animals in the zoo farm area, while the Animal Presentations exhibit serves as an educational hub, imparting knowledge about the different animals inhabiting the zoo.

6. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Center

Located northeast of Boise, the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Center has been operational since the 1940s and serves as a haven for ski enthusiasts. The center features downhill ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails that extend for over 20 miles.

Covering 2,600 acres, much of which is lush forested land, the recreation area offers a variety of slopes catering to all skiing proficiency levels. Shafer Butte, the highest peak in the Boise Ridge Mountains, is particularly noteworthy, offering additional summertime activities such as horseback riding and hiking.

7. Discovery Center Idaho

Discovery Center Idaho is a science center dedicated to promoting understanding of science and technology. Its mission encompasses education in technology, math, science, and engineering.

With over 200 interactive exhibits, including the Turbulent Orb and Bubble Wall, the center provides a dynamic learning environment. Regular educational classes for children are available every Saturday to spark their curiosity in science.

8. Hulls Gulch Reserve

Hulls Gulch Reserve boasts two scenic hiking trails—The Grove and Lower Hulls Gulch. Spanning nearly 300 acres at the base of picturesque hills in northern Boise, the reserve includes over 150 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter native species such as lizards, coyotes, horned owls, and red foxes along the trails.

9. Capital City Public Market

Founded in the early 1990s, the Capital City Public Market features over 150 vendors from the Boise region. It is an excellent destination for those seeking fresh Idaho produce, with offerings spread across four blocks in the downtown area.

Alongside baked goods, local fruits, and vegetables, visitors can enjoy live music performances as they explore the market.

10. Idaho Botanical Garden

Situated on 50 acres in Boise, the Idaho Botanical Garden was once a farm linked to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. As a historical treasure, the garden features various themed sections, including an Alpine Garden, an English Garden, and Cactus Garden.

This is the ideal location for those interested in exploring Boise’s indigenous flora.

11. Boise Art Glass

For a unique experience, visit Boise Art Glass, a professional glass-blowing studio located in the historic Bogie’s Building in downtown Boise. Visitors can observe skilled artisans at work, and there are workshops available for those wishing to try their hand at glass-blowing.

Additionally, a selection of beautifully crafted glass products is available at the on-site shop, perfect as mementos of your Boise experience.

12. Boise Farmers Market

Located on West Front Street, the Boise Farmers Market provides local vendors with a platform to sell their products. Choices include freshly baked goods, artisanal cheeses, fruits, and vegetables.

Additionally, ready-to-eat dishes such as flavorful tacos and delectable pastries, including doughnuts, can be found. Local wine brands like Hat Ranch Winery and Cold Springs Winery are also available for purchase.

13. Kathryn Albertson Park

Spanning an impressive 41 acres, Kathryn Albertson Park is celebrated for its scenic river views and picturesque features, such as gazebos, paved paths, ponds, and waterfalls. Named after philanthropist Kathryn Albertson, who gifted the park to the city, it also boasts diverse wildlife and informational stone inscriptions about local flora and fauna.

14. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center

Opened in 1985, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center stands as the only Basque museum in the United States, located in a historic former Basque boarding house known as Boise’s oldest brick building. The museum aims to educate visitors about Basque history, preserving the cultural legacy of the first Basque immigrants to settle in Boise.

15. The World Center for Birds of Prey

Located on West Flying Hawk Lane, the World Center for Birds of Prey opened in the 1980s and is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species. Nestled on a scenic hilltop, it offers stunning views of Boise and features various educational activities focused on birds of prey, including live demonstrations and guided tours that elaborate on its mission and initiatives.